I do enjoy a list. Honestly, I almost cannot function if I do not make a “to-do” list each day. Anyone else agree? On those days I do not create a list, I end up staring out of the window, scrolling through pictures on Instagram, or shopping on TaoBao (China’s version of Amazon). That last one gets me in trouble because I enjoy online shopping! So lists can be essential–essential for staying on task (and safekeeping the wallet!). Because I enjoy a list, I am looking at ISTE standard 2c, which states, “Model for colleagues the identification, exploration, evaluation, curation and, adoption of new digital resources and tools for learning (ISTE). Specifically, I am focusing on “identification” and “curation of new digital resources and tools for learning.”
Being a digital education leader, I believe I must stay abreast of what’s new and exciting for students and teachers within the scope of TechEd. That being said, I’m going to start right now by giving you some lists that I think will be beneficial, some “top” lists of what is new. Even if you are not an educator, you will hopefully find something useful as a student.
Commonsense.org is a great education site that provides all sorts of resources for educators. This link here provides the latest TechEd tools and “Top Pick Lists” for anyone wanting to find something new. I like that Common Sense has added filters so you can narrow down your choices. Another site, eLearningindustry.org, provides some great information about what is trending in educational technology. Don’t stress too much over which website you think is best. Use your own best judgment. See if the site has an “about” page to give you some insight into who created it. Someone who has a Ph.D. in TechEd will probably have good information. An educator who has been teaching for many years also has good news to share.
It isn’t difficult to find many blogs covering all kinds of subjects. CultofPedagogy is, technically, a website, but it has lots of good information in its blog regarding the latest in educational technology. Alongside CultofPedagogy, Brainscape.com has created a list of the top 10 of EdTech blogs. Consider this a “one-stop-shop” to find some great blog sites. Something I appreciate is that Brainscape gives a short paragraph abstract to help you decide if it is something you want to check out.
I’ll admit that I’m relatively new to podcasts (like those within the past two years). I knew they existed, but I never took the time to search for any. Yet, interestingly enough, I am an auditory learner, so you would think that I would have sought out podcasts first. Regardless, I found a website, educatorstechnology.com, which lists the top 5 educational podcasts for teachers. Although this list is short, remember, you can always use the search tool in a podcast app to find something that interests you.
And Remember…
Try to get a variety: some websites, some blogs, and some podcasts. That way, when you feel like changing it up, you can listen to a podcast versus reading a blog. One way to keep all your websites and blogs in one place and updated is by using an RSS feed (yes, they do still exist). If you aren’t sure what that is or how to use it, this site is excellent for explaining all about RSS feeds. There are quite a few out there to choose from, and feedly.com is just one RSS reader having a free, basic version and paid version. Remember to subscribe to your favorite podcasts, so you always have the most recent one to listen to.
Well, there you have it–some basic information, but hopefully helpful information to keep you in tune with the latest in TechEd. Again, even if you are not an educator but a student, see if any of these resources can help. Enjoy!
